2. Brake Control System - A VSC OFF switch is used on all models.
An Auto LSD function is added to the brake control system for the 1GR-FE engine 4WD models.
The VSC OFF switch can select the 3 modes...Normal mode, TRAC-OFF mode, VSC-OFF mode.
On the 2WD models, the Auto LSD function operates when the TRAC-OFF mode is selected.
On the 1GR-FE engine 4WD models, the Auto LSD function operates when the 4WD control switch is at the “H2” position
and the TRAC-OFF mode is selected.

3. Tire Pressure Warning System - The specifications of the tire pressure warning system have been changed.

4. Seat Belt Warning System - The specifications of the seat belt warning system have been changed.

5. Side and Curtain Airbags become standard equipment on all models.
4Runner will improve its numerous standard safety features on all models with
the addition of driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags and first
and second-row side-curtain airbags with roll-over sensor.

02/01/2008 Toyota intoduces a new 4Runner option package called the "Urban Runner"

1. Model Line-up
An Urban Runner package which has been developed based on the Sport package is newly provided for the GRN210L-GKAGKA (2WD SR5 1GR FE V6) and GRN215L-GKAGKA (4WD SR5 1GR FE V6) models in the U.S.A.

2. Exterior
Exclusive emblems are provided for the Urban Runner package.
4WD model: “URBAN RUNNER 4WD” for the front door, and “X-REAS” for the back door.
2WD Model: “URBAN RUNNER” for the front door, and “X-REAS” for the back door.
A radiator grille which is painted with the same color as an exterior color is provided for the Urban Runner package (as it is currently for the Limited grade).
A smoke lens type headlight (which is currently used on the Sport package) is provided for the Urban Runner package.
An exclusive rear spoiler is provided for the Urban Runner package.
A silver roof rail is optional equipment for the Urban Runner package.
18-inch aluminum disc wheels (which are the same as for the Limited grade) are provided for the Urban Runner package.
The following three exterior colors are provided for the Urban Runner package: 070 White Pearl Crystal Shine, 1D4 Silver Metallic, 202 Black

3. Interior
An instrument panel center cluster, a front console and a door trim, (which are used on the Limited grade), are provided for the Urban Runner package.
A plated inside door handle is provided for the Urban Runner package.
A rear console lid with leather upholstery is provided for the Urban Runner package.
A seat with Alcantala and leather upholstery is provided for the Urban Runner package.
A steering wheel using dimple leather is provided for the Urban Runner package.

The Toyota 4Runner mid-size sport utility vehicle adds an important safety feature for 2008, standard roll-sensing side curtain airbags. This addition complements the already impressive array of safety technology in the full-capability 4Runner.

The fourth-generation Toyota 4Runner combines true off-road competence with supremely high standards for everyday driving comfort, refinement and safety. The 4Runner packages these qualities in a design that is aspirational, youthful, sporty, and most of all, genuine.

Like all Toyota SUVs, the 4Runner comes standard with the advanced STAR SAFETY SYSTEM™, which includes Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control (TRAC), an anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist.

"The Toyota 4Runner is the rare full-capability SUV that is also easy and comfortable to drive every day, an excellent family vehicle as well as a rugged all-activity vehicle," said Jim Lentz, Toyota Motor Sales executive vice president.

The 4Runner is offered in three grade levels: the SR5, the Sport Edition that features a distinct appearance and enhanced handling performance, and the Limited grade with additional comfort amenities. The 4Runner seats up to seven with an available third-row seat option on SR5 and Limited models. The seat can fold over or be removed when additional cargo space is needed.

The most popular 4Runner model, the SR5, is distinguished by a chrome grille, door handles and rear license plate garnish. The SR5 is also equipped with standard fog lamps, black running boards, and six-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels with P265/70R16 tires – including a full-size spare tire with alloy wheel. The 4Runner Sport Edition projects a performance image with a hood scoop, smoked chrome grille and headlight bezels, tubular roof rack and side steps, and six-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels with P265/65R17 raised white letter tires.

The 4Runner's standard five-speed automatic transmission adapts gear-shifting patterns according to driving conditions and driver input. Shift logic holds gears on inclines for power and on descents for increased engine braking, which can be helpful when towing.

An automatic Limited-Slip Differential (LSD) is standard on 2WD models for improved traction in slippery conditions. Four-wheel drive 4Runner models employ a TORSEN® torque-sensing type limited-slip center differential with locking feature. The main difference between the V6 and V8 4WD systems is that the V6 uses a Multi-Mode selectable system, and the V8's 4WD is strictly a full-time system. In addition, both models are equipped with a two-speed transfer case with low range for handling steep off-highway inclines.

In both systems, the TORSEN differential distributes 60 percent of available power to the rear wheels under most conditions and changes the ratio as needed based on steering input and wheel slip. Automatically shifting to a 29:71 power distribution in the event of front wheel spin ratio during steering maneuvers helps to enhance vehicle tracking through curves. The center differential can change the ratio to 53:47 when it encounters rear wheel spinto help control rear wheel slippage. The TORSEN differential makes the 4Runner less prone to slippage caused by sudden changes in road conditions.

On 4WD Models, Downhill Assist Control (DAC) is designed to augment the low-speed descending ability of low-range by helping to hold the vehicle to a target speed with no intervention from the driver. Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), standard on all models, provides additional control for off-road driving by helping to keep the vehicle stationary while starting on a steep incline or slippery surface.

Suspension is by double wishbones in the front and a four-link rigid type suspension in the rear, both systems with coil springs over gas shock absorbers. The 4Runner Limited V8 4WD model can be equipped with rear auto-leveling air suspension for improved ride and performance when towing or carrying heavy loads. This option is teamed with the unique X-REAS Sport Enhancement Suspension that is also standard on the 4Runner Sport Edition.

The X-REAS Sport Enhancement Suspension diagonally links the compression chambers of the shock absorbers (front left shock linked to rear right and front right linked to rear left) by a center control absorber. The system helps improve on-road handling and dampens body roll and pitch by passing small body motions from front-to-rear to increase overall vertical shock damping.

Towing capacity is 5,000 lbs. for V6 models, 7,000 lbs. for V8 4WD models and 7,300 lbs. for V8 2WD models. All 4Runner models are equipped with skid plates for the engine and fuel tank, and 4WD models add one for the transfer case, as well.

Sophisticated Dynamic Control with STAR SAFETY SYSTEM™
The STAR SAFETY SYSTEM™ includes VSC, TRAC, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist to help provide optimal vehicle control and driving safety. Four-channel, four-sensor ABS helps to preserve steering control by preventing the wheels from locking during severe braking situations, while EBD distributes proper brake force between the front and rear wheels according to driving conditions. Brake Assist is designed to determine if the driver is attempting emergency braking and, if the driver has not stepped firmly enough on the brake pedal to engage the (ABS), the system supplements the applied braking power.

The Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system helps keep the 4Runner going on the driver's intended course by detecting front-wheel slide and rear-wheel slide during cornering and attempting to control either condition with torque intervention and/or by braking individual wheels. A VSC-off switch allows the driver to disengage the system, which can be useful in certain driving conditions.

The traction control (TRAC) feature helps reduce tire slippage during acceleration. 4Runner 4WD models use an additional yaw sensor, a deceleration sensor, and control algorithms to deliver smoother torque on any surface, including low-range and locked center differential conditions.

Passive Safety
Driver and front passenger advanced front airbags inflate according to impact severity. A front passenger seat sensor verifies if there is a certain amount of weight in the seat to determine whether the airbag should inflate, and the correct inflation power. The standard front and second row side curtain and front seat-mounted side airbags are equipped with a rollover sensor and cutoff switch.

Cargo-area mirrors located on the D-pillars help enhance visibility when reversing. The optional navigation system integrates a rear backup camera that automatically projects an image of what its lens can detect behind the vehicle onto the system's seven-inch LCD screen when reverse gear is engaged.

Space, Versatility and Convenience
Sporty design and extensive convenience features highlight the 4Runner's spacious and versatile interior. The two-tone dashboard houses a three-pod instrument cluster with orange illumination. A vehicle level sensor detects when the 4Runner is on an incline and compensates the fuel gauge reading. All exterior glass shields 94 percent or more of UV rays, and water-repellent glass is used for the windshield, side windows, and side mirrors.

An automatic climate-control system is standard on all 4Runner models, with the Limited grade adding dual-zone temperature control in front. A multi-information display, located just above the climate control panel, shows the climate control status as well as a clock, outside temperature, fuel range meter, average speed, and average fuel consumption. The 60/40-split fold-down rear seatbacks fold flat easily with no need to remove the headrests. An extra-wide fold-down rear seat center armrest integrates a pull-out convenience tray with two cupholders. Interior storage includes large bins in all doors.

When 4Runner is equipped with the available third row seats, the middle row tumbles forward for easy third row access. The rear gate's standard power window includes jam protection, as well as an electric power close function to ensure it is not left partially ajar.

The large rear storage area provides steel tie-down hooks on the floor with additional storage hooks on the sidewalls. A "double decker" cargo system with cargo net is standard on 4Runner Limited and optional for other models. The cargo shelf can lie flat or be lifted up easily with one hand and locked in place to accommodate larger cargo items (up to 66 pounds).

The 4Runner Sport Edition adds a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, high-contrast fabric-trimmed seats and trim, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls and cruise control buttons, plus a leather-wrapped shift knob. The V8 SR5 and the Sport Edition also come equipped with standard power-adjustable front seats, which are optional for the SR5 V6 models.

The available power moonroof with jam protection features a two-stage automatic wind deflector to help minimize wind noise. The deflector lowers to an intermediate height when the 4Runner is traveling over 55 mph and rises to full height again when vehicle speed drops below 45 mph and the roof is fully open.

Powerful Onboard Entertainment, Easy Navigation
A Deluxe AM/FM/ CD system with six speakers is standard on SR5 and Sport models and includes a universal mini-jack port to connect most portable music players. All standard and optional audio systems are MP3 and WMA-media compatible.

Standard on the 4Runner Limited is a Deluxe AM/FM/ 6-disc in-dash system with six speakers, Satellite ready capability. Available on all grades is a 360-watt JBL Synthesis AM/FM 6-disc in-dash sound system with 10 speakers Satellite Ready and a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls and cruise control buttons. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is also available with the Deluxe 3-in-1 audio as a stand-alone option, An available factory-installed DVD rear seat entertainment system uses a wide-format nine-inch LCD screen and includes two sets of wireless headphones.

A DVD navigation system is available for all 4Runner models and is paired with an eight-speaker JBL AM/FM/4-disc in-dash audio system satellite ready capability. The system features a touch-screen monitor, voice guidance and Bluetooth® wireless capability and includes more than five million verified data points.

Bluetooth® provides a hands-free communication system when using a compatible cellular phone. Calls can be dialed by using the navigation screen's keypad, while calls can be received and ended by pushing a button on the steering wheel. The stereo is automatically muted when a call is received, and the stereo speakers act as the phone receiver and transmitter.

Toyota's 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and corrosion with no mileage limitation.

For 2008 the MSRP will increase $380 for SR5 and Sport Edition models and $350 for Limited models.
The 4Runner MSRP ranges from $28,015 for the 2WD SR5 V6 to $38,735 for the 4WD Limited V8.
The total 4Runner average MSRP increases $376 or 1.2 percent, but when you factor in that the side airbags are
now standard equipment you will find that the MSRP average has actually decreased ($275).